This Is What It's Like To Be Lovers [ON HOLD]

7: The Sky's My Thoughts

• Meteor Shower by Cavetown •

The conversation had evaporated the awkwardness between Jade and Larimar almost completely. The Queen was glad of the warmth of Lari's hand on her arm and their matching steps.

They were almost at the front of their house when the Queen abruptly stopped. So did Lari. But when Jade looked up at her, the Princess had an easy smile.

"Princess," Jade warned when she saw Lari shaking her familiar awake. "I don't think it's an ordinary owl."

"Oh, I know." Lari left her arm and walked ahead. Jade followed, holding the lantern up for illumination. The sky was the faintest azure and did no good to vision, but the ghost owl's fur was bright and seemed to be a light source in itself.

"Come," Lari turned to beckon her. "It's Pearlina. She's Professor Carnel's familiar. I'm sure she's brought a message."

Uncertainty clouded Jade's mind, but she tried to keep her calm. "How did she know where we are?" She asked her companion, but Lari didn't seem to hear her query at all.

Jade saw Mewton Pie sprinting towards the bird, like greeting an old friend. The owl let a low peaceful trill, the kind of sound that can put insomniacs to sleep, and hopped onto Lari's elbow.

Jade held the lantern close to the bird for better inspection and surely there were two attachments tied to her hindlimbs.

The Princess pulled them from her, tenderly to not hurt the bird. In one of her hands, Larimar held a cloth bundle. Jade saw her rubbing it between her fingers and bringing them closer to her nose.

"Frankincense, myrrh, and dried sage," Lari said, smiling. "Professor misses nothing."

"What do they do?" the Queen asked.

"It's for protection," she returned.

In her other hand was a thin strip of paper, rolled up. Lari plunged the bundle of herb and resins into the pocket of her skirt and started to unroll the paper.

But before she could go halfway, the bird on her arm hooted. The Princess cooed at her and scratched the fur on her head. Pearlina closed her bulbous eyes and seemed to be enjoying the petting. But soon, she opened them and without a word, took flight.

"Fly safe, Pearly," was all Lari could manage to whisper before the bird disappeared into the darkness.

"Let's read it inside, Princess," Jade said in a low voice, surrounding Lari's shoulders with an arm but not really touching her. Taking a quick survey of their surroundings, she followed the Princess and bolted the door behind herself.

Jade quickly lit a few candles around the room, and Larimar took a seat. The redhead scooted close to her on instinct but quickly moved away. When Lari looked up at her questioningly, she said, "maybe I shouldn't look at it."

"What are you saying?" Larimar chuckled as Mewton placed herself between the women. "Fine, I'll read it out loud then," she added with a frown.

"Dearest Lari, I hope Pearl brings this to you. Your Mother is healthy, albeit unhappy. She misses you dearly, but Agata convinced her to not give up on nutrition. Your Father and Aunt are planning to look for you, and have sent elite messengers to the wardens of some realms. They plan to not publicize your disappearance yet. The resin and sage would protect you from harm, both spiritual and physical. It's enough for the two of you. Give my regards to the Queen. Stay safe. Professor."

As soon as she stopped reading, the paper sparked between her fingers. Jade gasped, watching Lari drop it to the floor, letting it burn to crisps on the spot.